Discover America Festival | Jumeirah Etihad Towers

“Prepare to embark on a culinary journey through the United States of America.” Jumeirah Etihad Towers

Yee haw, saddle up and enjoy a journey of cuisine from across the United States here in Abu Dhabi at the Jumeirah Etihad Towers ‘Discover America Festival’ running until 27th October. The hotel, in conjunction with the American Embassy in the UAE, is offering American classics at five of its restaurants and bars, embracing all the best things from the good ole U S of A.

Last Friday we sampled the American Country Brunch and were impressed with the abundant choice of food complimented by the themed decoration and music that transported you stateside. Executive chef Jordan Annabi and his team really excelled themselves with the quantity and quality within the theme and beyond. There was a plentiful selection of prime meat barbecued in the Lang smoker (only hotel in the capital to have such a thing) and over a fire pit, the largest choice of hot and cold desserts and everything in between that you could possibly desire.

Outside resembled a traditional cook-off with the bbq areas and Jack Daniels bar. The brunch was certainly a meat and seafood lovers heaven with slow cooked beef brisket, short ribs, juicy beer butt chicken, smoked seafood served with sweet potato Turducken and other sides. There was the finest poached Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab and Cedar plank Salmon, foie gras and a good selection of sushi. Options for the vegetarian guests included plenty of salads, D-I-Y poke bowls, bbq corn of the cob, lots of veggies along with a great selection of cheeses and breads.

Fresh pasta was also available from the Italian section, which was also home to the two notable veggie options. A made to order caprese style salad with creamy mozzarella (regular or smoked) and a collection of fresh, colourful tomatoes and a creamy risotto, made in a theatrical display with Veuve Clicquot champagne inside a wheel of parmesan. Lavish, delicious and certainly crowd pleasing.

Can I just mention there were dedicated bagel and doughnut station with all kinds of the savoury and sugary treats. American favourites of key lime and pumpkin pies were offered alongside brownies, crumbles, cupcakes and cake pops, towering displays of miniature desserts were eye-catching and there was not one but two chocolate fountains. Ice-cream fans could enjoy the nitro infused creamy creation whipped up at your table. Espresso martinis, free-flowing bubbles, cocktails served in coconuts and servers with shot belts, along with plenty of beer and wines all helped the party atmosphere.

The brunch was hosted in Nahaam restaurant, the stylish poolside venue with a seaview. We dined outside on the stars and stripes decorated terrace with a view of an actual Statue of Liberty and oversized Captain America. BBQ aromas filled the air and live entertainment was provided courtesy of the excellent American Air Force Central Command Band (who flew in especially for the occasion) providing a backdrop of classic tunes from across the years. What is an American theme without a convoy of leather clad bikers? Cue the Abu Dhabi Harley Davidson chapter who made quite the noisy entrance in full Sons of Anchary style, much to the amusement of the non-brunchers enjoying a poolday.

Are you an American missing home or a just fan of the US? Steak lovers with hearty appetites should head to Ray’s Grill on Level 63 floor to indulge in the daily offerings of USDA prime cuts, Nahaam restaurant will play host to a Maine Lobster evening (25th October) and what can be more American than its Classics night with burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs and pies (23rd October). Throughout the promotion an American style Afternoon Tea will be served in both the Lobby Lounge and Observation Deck at 300 on Level 74, the highest vantage point of Abu Dhabi. Head to Ray’s Bar on Level 62 for panoramic views and an American mixology menu.

Congrats to Jumeirah Etihad Towers for its Culinary Journey To The USA, such a wonderful interpretation of the American theme. Great food and atmosphere, it was good to attend a lively but family-friendly upbeat brunch with fellow diners up dancing and enjoying the outdoor vibe. Celebrate American style at this Friday’s spooky-licious Halloween Brunch (26th October), the second and final brunch in the Discover America series. Regular Friday Brunch will then resume interspersed with themed affairs, either way I highly recommend you give it a try.

I was invited to review the Country Brunch. All the views are my own. Unless otherwise stated all photos on this page copyright Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of Marina Milić.